Just got into DC preK, but paid tuition for Franklin M.

[Anonymous]

I just received word that my son got off the waitlist for a pre K program at Key School. I have already paid my deposit and partial tuitoin (no refunds) I can't decide if I should go with Key School or stay at Franklin M. for another year. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

What would be the most important (to you) differences between the two places?

[Anonymous]

They will be two very different programs. If you are interested in the Montessori approach, I would stay with Franklin for this year. Public schools have to take neighborhood children from Kindergarten on.

[Anonymous]

Having had one child at a good NW DCPS school and another, now , at Franklin, I would say, stay with Franklin. IMO, the amount of academic knowledge offered in the Montessori program is far greater than what can be expected in DCPS preK, even in a good school.

For example, in his preK year at Franklin, my DC was learning addition and multiplication and got explicit reading instruction and a lot of geography. Plus, I love the art and nature programs. None of that was available to my other DC at our upper NW DCPS preK.

If paying tuition was a significant issue, I might say that a kid will probably do fine in the Key environment, but since you've paid partial tuition already, overall, I think the opportunity for your child to learn is greater at Franklin.

[LJEMAN]

Are you in bounds or OOB for Key?

[Anonymous]

Stick with Franklin. It's such a great school. I can't imagine that DC public could even come close.

[Anonymous]

I have had my children at Key School. It is fabulous. They are extremely successful students. Save the $$$ and go with Key.

[Anonymous]

I think they are very different programs. Key School does not have a Montessori Program. You need to think about the differenct philosohies and decide which one is best for your child.

[Anonymous]

I would say it depends on the teacher you get. Both of the prek teachers are good, but one is great. She does not teach reading or how to multiply, but her students learn many things - and they have a great time doing it.